Former India head coach and cricketer Ravi Shastri rained down heavy sarcasm on Indian team management for sending Mohammed Siraj as night watchman ahead of Virat Kohli during the closing stages on day 1 of the ongoing 3rd Test against New Zealand.
In the 18th over, Ajaz Patel sent Yashasvi Jaiswal back to his hut. Surprisingly, Virat Kohli did not bat at No. 4, and Siraj went out as a nightwatchman.
Siraj was given out leg before wicket on the third delivery of the 18th over. The ball that was thrown up smacked him on the pads because he failed to read the line correctly. Michael Gough did not hesitate to raise his finger.
Siraj, after consulting with Shubman Gill, requested a review, but the replays revealed that the on-field decision was correct. He walked back without opening his account. Even Kohli failed to get going, as he was run out before stumps on Day 1.
"If they had to send someone, then someone like Ashwin should have been out there. Not only Ashwin is totally capable, can't call him a nightwatchman. That was reviewed and that was the result. How did I get that wrong, is what Mohammed Siraj is thinking. It can be a lonely place, the dressing room," Shastri said while commentating on-air.
Doull, who was on the air, echoed Shastri's thoughts and said, "Not necessarily has to be a lower order batter or a bowler that bats a little bit. He is there to protect the batter but also to survive in these types of conditions. Ashwin, I totally agree. Quite astounding."
India ended day 1 on 86/4 after they had bundled New Zealand for 253 runs with Will Young (71) and Daryl Mitchell (82) being the main scorers. For India, Ravindra Jadeja took 5/65, while Washington Sundar took 4 wickets as well.
